With titles like "Chain Saw Safety" and "Respirators and How to Use Them," Don Brown Productions won't win an Oscar any time soon. But the Orange-based production company is cashing in on the growing demand for corporate safety and training videos. Founder Don Brown also is positioning the privately held company for what he envisions as an increasingly lucrative foreign market.

The president of NBCUniversal's Telemundo network is stepping down, clearing the way for the company to make sweeping changes to its Spanish-language media operation. NBCUniversal said Tuesday that Don Browne, Telemundo's leader for six years, will retire from the company June 3 — the eighth anniversary of his arrival at Telemundo. The company plans to name a new Telemundo president within a few months. Browne, who turns 68 next month, becomes the latest high-level veteran to leave in the wake of Comcast Corp.'s takeover of NBCUniversal.

I will miss Marlon Brando as an actor on the silver screen (obituary, July 3). To me his impact was powerfully visual, but sadly also an inspiration to a generation of mumbling actors. Increasingly, whole passages of dialogue are lost in today's movies. I am sure Brando was not completely at fault, but he surely got the ball rolling. Since then the ball seems to be stuck in too many actor's mouths. Don Brown Beverly Hills

I will miss Marlon Brando as an actor on the silver screen (obituary, July 3). To me his impact was powerfully visual, but sadly also an inspiration to a generation of mumbling actors. Increasingly, whole passages of dialogue are lost in today's movies. I am sure Brando was not completely at fault, but he surely got the ball rolling. Since then the ball seems to be stuck in too many actor's mouths. Don Brown Beverly Hills

Listening to the calm, distinctly British speech of Don Brown, you might not believe that this mild-mannered 23-year-old is the same guy whose spectacular skateboard tricks won him the title of 1989 World Freestyle Champion. But seeing him perform a few of his flips, handstands and other tricks will quickly clear up any doubts.

Removing intoxicated drivers from Burbank streets may be the only thing that can save the two modest, one-story houses at the intersection of Buena Vista and Vanowen streets from further damage. That was the assessment Monday of city officials analyzing an accident at the intersection last weekend. A man who police believe was intoxicated died in the Saturday night crash when his car slammed into a lane divider and catapulted him through the kitchen wall of one of the houses.

The president of NBCUniversal's Telemundo network is stepping down, clearing the way for the company to make sweeping changes to its Spanish-language media operation. NBCUniversal said Tuesday that Don Browne, Telemundo's leader for six years, will retire from the company June 3 — the eighth anniversary of his arrival at Telemundo. The company plans to name a new Telemundo president within a few months. Browne, who turns 68 next month, becomes the latest high-level veteran to leave in the wake of Comcast Corp.'s takeover of NBCUniversal.

Whether it's their first Bonne Bell Lip Smackers or playing dress-up with their mothers' lipstick, many girls start experimenting with makeup early. For tweens and teens, one of the rituals of back-to-school time is the fight with Mom over what is and isn't age- and school-appropriate. And, yes, that discussion is starting earlier. Though women ages 18 to 64 are using less makeup, tween girls (ages 8 to 12) are using more, according to a new report from market research firm the NPD Group.

Of all the items up for sale at the Jackie Kennedy Onassis auction, the one that impressed me the most was Lot 755: a set of golf clubs in a red and black bag with the initials "JFK" monogrammed on the outside. The item sold for $772,500, and the buyer was Arnold Schwarzenegger, an avid restaurant owner. Since I don't play golf, I couldn't tell if Arnold got a bargain or not. So I called around to friends who are crazy about the sport.

Re "Blowing Away a Bad Habit in 1999," Voices, Jan. 2: If you made a resolution to quit smoking, don't give up. I quit after many attempts, and it has added years to my life. I know, because I have either buried my smoking loved ones and friends, or spend time with those living with emphysema and cancer victims. My motto: "If at first you don't succeed, quit again!" DON BROWN West Hills

With titles like "Chain Saw Safety" and "Respirators and How to Use Them," Don Brown Productions won't win an Oscar any time soon. But the Orange-based production company is cashing in on the growing demand for corporate safety and training videos. Founder Don Brown also is positioning the privately held company for what he envisions as an increasingly lucrative foreign market.

Listening to the calm, distinctly British speech of Don Brown, you might not believe that this mild-mannered 23-year-old is the same guy whose spectacular skateboard tricks won him the title of 1989 World Freestyle Champion. But seeing him perform a few of his flips, handstands and other tricks will quickly clear up any doubts.

Removing intoxicated drivers from Burbank streets may be the only thing that can save the two modest, one-story houses at the intersection of Buena Vista and Vanowen streets from further damage. That was the assessment Monday of city officials analyzing an accident at the intersection last weekend. A man who police believe was intoxicated died in the Saturday night crash when his car slammed into a lane divider and catapulted him through the kitchen wall of one of the houses.

Coach Jim Hanifan of the St. Louis Cardinals has completed his staff by naming Pete Hoener as strength and flexibility coach. Hoener, 33, worked at Indiana State the past seven years in various capacities, including offensive line coach, offensive coordinator and strength coach. Hoener replaces Don Brown, who had been the strength and flexibility coach for the Cardinals for the past six years. Brown left to pursue a management position in collegiate or professional sports.

The Raiders signed punter Jeff Hayes and defensive back Don Brown and cut quarterback Greg Knapp, a free agent from Cal State Sacramento, Thursday. Hayes was with the Washington Redskins through the 1985 season, the Cincinnati Bengals in '86 and the San Diego Chargers this summer until they released him. Brown played for the Chargers last season and was just released by the Miami Dolphins. He has been a cornerback but will be tried at safety by the Raiders.